Prada’s latest catwalk show for Spring 2007 prompted fashion chatter not simply because of the jewelled, rich silks and high-necked dresses daringly
out of place in a Spring collection, but more noticeably due to the revival of the turban as a stylish female head-piece. For those of you who peruse the Financial Times rather than Vogue in your spare time, the word ‘revival’ may come as a bit of a shock, but it is indeed true that the turban made its fashion debut long before Victoria Beckham could even say ‘fashion whore’, let alone be one. In the 50’s and 60’s the uniform of Hollywood’s ultra chic was completed with a turban worn on the back of the head. However, its return to the style scene causes concern on both the religious and aesthetic fronts.I wonder whether today’s seemingly vulnerable society of cultural diversity and staunch political correctness can cope with such ostentatious religious apparel dictating fashion trends. I mean, a nation of “sailors” in nautical stripes and espadrilles is one thing - but is Britain really ready for sacred adornment? Most identifiable with the Sikh religion, turbans are worn to protect the sanctified, uncut hair of those who enter into the “Khalsa”. A symbol of faith and dedication, and traditionally associated with power, it is viewed by many as an integral part of the religion. Its significance was only highlighted in 2005 when the French government’s ban on wearing visible religious symbols in public schools was met with, amongst other protests, the passionate defence of the right to wear turbans by Sikhs. On approaching the issue with one member of the LSE Sikh community, he suggested that, despite having a liberal attitude himself, older, more traditional members of the religion “might not take it so lightly” - hinting at potential unrest if the turban were to explode onto the fashion agenda more publicly. With contemporary fashion trends being more ‘throw-away’ than ‘here-to-stay’, the turban as a fashion item has a slight air of disrespect. However, none of this seems to have occurred to Muiccia Prada, who seems more concerned with the way in which a neatly placed turban can accentuate one’s cheekbones (Vogue, Feb 2007). I’m sure that’s right up there with the kara and the kirpan for your average Sikh!
On the other hand, perhaps I am being too sensitive, and am simply a victim of the politically correct society in which we live. The cross of
Christianity made a seamless transition into the world of fashion, causing not even a ripple in the pond of controversy. Then again, being advocated more by the high street (think ‘Claire’s Accessories’) than high fashion (think ‘Cartier’), it was probably always going to make less of an impact than the turban has the potential to.My second (and possibly more permissible) concern is that the iconic Audrey Hepburn-esque women of the early 20th century, who could actually get away with wearing a turban, are an extinct breed. Nowadays, the bestselling fashion magazines are more interested in celebrity cellulite than the über-stylish. The sleek silhouette of a classical beauty with a sophisticated ‘top- knot’ starkly contrasts with the modern day vision of the likes of (dare I say it) Jade Goody attempting to follow in the footsteps of the so-called ‘fashion- forward’ by wearing a turban. The celeb-fashion showdown played out round-by-round in ‘Heat’ magazine causes all attention-hungry stars to adorn whatever Vogue dictates. Unfortunately, this attitude also means such stars keep “does my bum look big in this?’/‘do I look utterly ridiculous?’ type considerations to a minimum. Suitability does not seem to be a concern.
Given the accessibility of couture creations thanks to high street imitations, every ‘Vicky Pollard’-like fourteen year old will also have the access and the funds to accommodate the new turban trend. A terrifying generation of tracksuit and turban clad teenagers could ensue – and you thought hoodies were a bit much. This may be the most significant issue for Sikhs: give one to Kate Moss and everyone will be flaunting one – ignorant of it’s origin or significance. The days of high fashion glamour being reserved for style elites are long gone, replaced now by ‘one size fits all’ fashion, capable of derogating any chic originality.
So whether the turban will ever catch on as a fashion favourite waits to be seen. I, for one, must admit my scepticism. Just because one six foot waif with the face of a goddess can wear a turban and manage to look ‘like, SO this season’, it does not immediately signify summer’s new ‘must have’. If anything, it may translate into the mainstream as a simple headscarf…which might be better for everyone.